Bear these thoughts in mind when buying and using notebook computer or PCs.
Consider the travel weight. Compare travel weights, not system weights. That's the notebook (system weight) plus transformer (typically 0.75 pounds). For one-drive systems, add an expansion slice for the optical drive (2 to 3 pounds). If the vendor quoted the weight with a weight-saver bezel (translation: a blank plate in place of the optical drive) you may have to add the weight of an internal CD or DVD drive (0.5 pounds).
Don't get hung up on small weight differences. What really counts is the total weight of the bag you sling over your shoulder. On its own, a 5-pound notebook with a nice screen and two drives weighs 25 percent more than a 4-pound system with a smaller screen, smaller keys, and no DVD drive. But notebook bags weigh 2 to 5 pounds and all your other stuff (transformer, cell phone, music player, paper documents, and paperback novel) adds 2 to (gulp) 10 pounds. A heavier notebook might add an additional pound to the bag's overall weight, but when everything weighs 10 pounds is that extra pound really worth worrying about?
Why 3.5-pound subnotebooks weigh more than 5-pound thin-and-lights. Before you spring for that svelte one-drive subnotebook with a smaller display and keyboard, consider how you normally travel. If you need the optical drive more than occasionally, your real walking weight will be 3.5 pounds for the notebook computer, plus 2.5 pounds for the modular slice that contains the optical drive for a grand total of 6 pounds.
Small notebook, smaller battery. Manufacturers sometimes keep weight down on subnotebooks by shipping with four-cell batteries that are good for just 2 to 3 hours of power. Serious users will need to add a second battery that mounts underneath or a replacement main battery that sticks out the back.
Fitted cases don't always fit. A glove-like case for a subnotebook won't fit if you add the expansion slice or an extended-length battery. If you're moving up to a 15- or 16-inch display notebook, your current case may not hold it.
Bigger equals more rugged. A small system with tightly integrated components is somewhat more likely to break in a fall than a bulkier unit where there's room for extra bracing. Conversely, the smaller the LCD, the less likely it is to break.
Midlife battery crisis. Batteries don't last forever. A frequently used 2- or 3-year-old notebook may be due for a new battery (usually $100 to $150).
Nonstandard connectors. An ultraportable notebook may need an adapter or port expander if you want to connect accessories, such as a printer or scanner. The weight increase is marginal, but there's always the fear factor: Did you remember to pack the adapter for the important business trip?
Think about the extended warranty. An extended warranty is a moneymaker for the seller. For individual buyers, there is the comfort of knowing that if the notebook computer breaks, especially early in life, the store may just hand you a new one.
Think twice about hi-res. Higher resolution is generally better, except when you try to read the fonts. Users with imperfect eyesight may want to stick with XGA (1024-by-768) resolution rather than SXGA+ (1400-by-1050)–fonts display 33 percent larger.
You'll want two transformers. Then you can have one at home and one at the office. One of the two can be a multi-product charger (from Targus or iGo) that also handles PDAs and cell phones. They cost between $75 and $100.
Consider the travel weight. Compare travel weights, not system weights. That's the notebook (system weight) plus transformer (typically 0.75 pounds). For one-drive systems, add an expansion slice for the optical drive (2 to 3 pounds). If the vendor quoted the weight with a weight-saver bezel (translation: a blank plate in place of the optical drive) you may have to add the weight of an internal CD or DVD drive (0.5 pounds).
Don't get hung up on small weight differences. What really counts is the total weight of the bag you sling over your shoulder. On its own, a 5-pound notebook with a nice screen and two drives weighs 25 percent more than a 4-pound system with a smaller screen, smaller keys, and no DVD drive. But notebook bags weigh 2 to 5 pounds and all your other stuff (transformer, cell phone, music player, paper documents, and paperback novel) adds 2 to (gulp) 10 pounds. A heavier notebook might add an additional pound to the bag's overall weight, but when everything weighs 10 pounds is that extra pound really worth worrying about?
Why 3.5-pound subnotebooks weigh more than 5-pound thin-and-lights. Before you spring for that svelte one-drive subnotebook with a smaller display and keyboard, consider how you normally travel. If you need the optical drive more than occasionally, your real walking weight will be 3.5 pounds for the notebook computer, plus 2.5 pounds for the modular slice that contains the optical drive for a grand total of 6 pounds.
Small notebook, smaller battery. Manufacturers sometimes keep weight down on subnotebooks by shipping with four-cell batteries that are good for just 2 to 3 hours of power. Serious users will need to add a second battery that mounts underneath or a replacement main battery that sticks out the back.
Fitted cases don't always fit. A glove-like case for a subnotebook won't fit if you add the expansion slice or an extended-length battery. If you're moving up to a 15- or 16-inch display notebook, your current case may not hold it.
Bigger equals more rugged. A small system with tightly integrated components is somewhat more likely to break in a fall than a bulkier unit where there's room for extra bracing. Conversely, the smaller the LCD, the less likely it is to break.
Midlife battery crisis. Batteries don't last forever. A frequently used 2- or 3-year-old notebook may be due for a new battery (usually $100 to $150).
Nonstandard connectors. An ultraportable notebook may need an adapter or port expander if you want to connect accessories, such as a printer or scanner. The weight increase is marginal, but there's always the fear factor: Did you remember to pack the adapter for the important business trip?
Think about the extended warranty. An extended warranty is a moneymaker for the seller. For individual buyers, there is the comfort of knowing that if the notebook computer breaks, especially early in life, the store may just hand you a new one.
Think twice about hi-res. Higher resolution is generally better, except when you try to read the fonts. Users with imperfect eyesight may want to stick with XGA (1024-by-768) resolution rather than SXGA+ (1400-by-1050)–fonts display 33 percent larger.
You'll want two transformers. Then you can have one at home and one at the office. One of the two can be a multi-product charger (from Targus or iGo) that also handles PDAs and cell phones. They cost between $75 and $100.
Repost from PCMag - Laptops: The Essential Buying Guide
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